I have spent some time writing a program to parse all the responses to the
Questionnaire received. This page lists my responses (in italics).
The Responses page has the all the raw responses received with
no comments. The Feedback page has comments sent in after
reading this anaylsis. If you have not filled in the Questionnaire
please do so.

Thank you for taking the time to read this page. If you have any comments please
send feedback
about this questionnaire analysis. The voting tables on this page may not tally with the
raw responses page as this page may not get updated every time.

General

Name

Email Address

City

Country

Age

Under 15

77

15 - 19

149

20 to 29

87

30 to 39+

12

40 +

8

Total Responses

333

I am quite surprised by the number of younger people
visiting this site.

CricketGames.com

How did you first hear of CricketGames.com?

Search Engine

172

Link from another site

54

Heard in newsgroup

16

Told by friend

62

Other

29

Total Responses

333

The entries in search engines are obviously working as
is word of mouth and links from other sites. Maybe mentioning the site in newsgroups is
not the best way to advertise.

How often do you visit CricketGames.com?

More than once a day

29

Every day

99

2 - 3 times a week

111

Once a week

69

Once a month

25

Total Responses

333

It is very pleasing to note that the vast majority of
you visit the site on a regular basis.

What do you like about CricketGames.com?

Typical responses were

I like CricketGames a lot because it gives me every little detail I need to know
about cricket games. It keeps me up to date with all the new cricket games and their
features, review, cheats, demos, and lot of others stuff. Overall I like this site a lot
and it provides me with an effcient and acurate information.

It is consistently updated and is up to date on all the news. It also has cheat
codes and tips for my favourite cricket games.

It is well set out with sub-sections for different features. Has many links to
other, more specialised sites. One of the fastest downloads and servers on the web.

Lots of latest news about all the cricket games that exist. Updated everyday. I
also like to see the simulated scores. Plus the big network of people that contribute to
the site.

The comprehensiveness of the site, the news section, the forum, and the
professionalism of the site (as opposed to some of the ICC sites where sensationalism and
the ego of the webmaster seem to be the objective).

The site as a whole, and the ability to put down your tips and suggestions for a
game.

It is the most comprehensive cricket gaming site on the world wide web. It has
all the news, information, release dates, reviews, previews and loads of shareware, demo
releases and downloads for all the cricket gaming addicts around the world. Probably the
best thing to happen to the game of cricket since Kerry Packer!!!

What do you dislike about CricketGames.com?

This is a summary of the most commonly raised points and my responses.

Nothing.

This was the feeling of about half the people who
responded.

Its not updated every day.

This was a fairly common complaint. I try my best to
update the site as often as possible. Since the recent change in servers I have been
updating far more frequently. Unfortunately the week up to and including Easter was so
hectic I was unable to do any updates. Some times though there is not enough news to be
able to update every day. Please remember that there is only me updating the site so I do
rely a lot on people sending me news. Thanks to those that do and if you don't help by
sending me news.

Very little in the way of articles.

This is a valid point but what sort of articles are
wanted? I am not really very good at writing articles but if anyone submits any I would be
happy to publish them. As a start has anyone read the article
I wrote on Cricket Games in general? I have not had any direct feedback about it.

Maybe the site structure is a bit tricky to navigate?

This point was mentioned by several people but with
over 60 games covered it is not possible to have everything listed on the index page. All
games are only 2 clicks away and any game mentioned in the news is linked directly. The
site structure was also listed as a like by several people. Can not please every one all
the time. Not sure if some people are remembering the older layout when there was a second
level games news page that normally just repeated the main page.

I am sorry to say this, but there are a few facts that I am not in agreement
with.

What facts are these and did you let me know your
disagreements?

Not being supported more by cricketgame developer's.

This is a real pity and not one I seem to be able to
do anything about. I had regular support from the developers of International Cricket
Captain and a free review copy before the site was even started. The producer of Brian
Lara Cricket did send some emails and does read the Wish List but no review copy was sent
by Codemasters. I have no contact with anyone in Creative Assembly/EA Sports regarding the
forth coming EA Cricket World Cup 99. All emails sent have been simply ignored.
Shareware/Freeware developers are normally far more responsive and keep me informed of all
the latest developments.

I think the problem is commercial companies don't yet
fully realise how a site like this dedicated to one genre can help them with publicity,
scrrenshots, demos, etc. Shareware/Freeware developers realise far more how a site like
this can really help promote their games and use it properly.

Not enough free games.

I can only put up the games that have been written. A
lot of time, effort and expense goes in to writing any game so developers often prefer the
Shareware route as a method of gaining some money. In this case play the Shareware version
and if you like it support the author.

That you don't have much info on Cricket World Cup 99 by EA sports.

I will try and change this soon but as already
mentioned I have no direct contact with either the developlers or producers of this game.
I don't really just want to copy all the details off the EA web site which was last
updated in February.

I would like for this site to be more universal, and not just appeal to the fans
in Europe & Australia, but have some things that attract fans from the States as well!

Not sure what is being said here. There is no
intentional bias to any country. How do you attract fans from just the US? I want to
attract fans from everywhere.

The interface is too simple (or I should say basically dull), I believe it
should be jazzed up a bit.

This is a valid criticism. I am not a graphical artist
at all and can not draw to save my life. I use FrontPage 98 for the web site and use one
of its built in themes. If anyone else knows a better theme or can design one for me I
would be happy to use it. The problem is some of the game names are so long they don't fit
most theme button styles. The advantage of the duller text buttons though is that the site
is much faster to load as it is not pulling down 30 graphical buttons as well as the page.

Poor quality shareware & freeware games. Too statistical.

If you can do better send it in. Some of the games
listed here were written many years ago for PC's with different capabilities. This is
always mentioned in a review. As for games being too statistical some people myself
included prefer games this way. It is all a matter of personal preference.

The fact that there is no retro games.

I will try and add some retro games when I can. It is
currently a question of priorities within the site.

There is nothing that I dislike as such. It would be helpful if you separate the
downloads into different files as connections in India are extremely slow and poor.

Quite often I am linking to the developers site so
have no choice. I don't have enough web space to have my own mirrors of every game plus I
only have a modem connection so it would be costly to upload.

There are 2 solutions to this problem. 1) Shameless
plug - buy the CricketGames.com CD-ROM which has the demos/games available for download
already on it and more not currently available on the net plus lots more cricket related
material. 2) Use a program like Go!Zilla for all downloads. It might speed up the download
by finding a nearer mirror and has the ability to resume a download part way through if
you lose the connection. I always use Go!Zilla for any download.

Biased reviews.

Well any review could be biased but I try not to be. I
also encourage people to send in their own reviews/feedback so that it is not just 1
persons opinion.

One thing that I dislike about CricketGames.com is that it does not provide
demos of all the games that are listed.

This is often because for a lot of games like the Anil
Kumble's Googly series no demos exist. For older games like EA Cricket 96 the demo is not
available on the net any more. With the example of EA Cricket 96 the demo is 20Mb+ in size
and I don't have the web space/demo to store the demo. 2nd Shamless plug - buy the
CricketGames.com CD-ROM which includes demos of older games like EA Cricket 96 that aren't
available for download.

How would you Improve CricketGames.com?

Redesign, maybe with easier navigation. More graphics.

As mentioned above I am not a graphical artist and can
not draw. Navigation is a tricky subject as again already mentioned above. More graphics
will dramatically increase the loading times of the pages. I am open to more detailed
suggestions on how to improve the site. I would prefer small changes here and there rather
than a whole redesign as that would just take too long. Several people suggested switching
to frames but I personally do not like frames.

Add some more competitions and some more downloadable games.

I would love to be able to offer more competitions but
have had no support from companies donating prizes. This means I have to personally pay
for the prizes (like in the case of the Brian Lara Cricket prize for filling in this
questionnaire). I already offer a prize of the CricketGames.com CD-ROM once a month. If
any company or individual wants to donate a prize and competition format I would be happy
to accomodate them.

I can only offer downloads of the games that are
available. See answer in previous section. If anyone knows of a cricket games available
not covered by CricketGames.com please let me know and I will add it.

Maybe a chat room.

Good idea - I will try and see if I can find a site or
code for one hopefully with out too much advertising.

More creative writing :)

Again see in previous section re articles.

Add more about the Main Games. Get some download's like in FIFA 99, they can
download team uniforms and boots and stadiums and that.

Well for ICC there are already lots of extra downloads
like new photos, databases, editors, scenarios. Hopefully the same will happen for Brian
Lara Cricket when the editor comes out. Shareware games like ITC and HODI also have
additional databases etc available.

Squad details would be nice and is something I am
always after. Hopefully something can be sorted out as there are a couple of ideas that
will hopefully be set in motion in the months to come as development on Cricket Manager
continues. Algorithms are less likely as they are normally guarded secrets by the
developers. I'm all for general discussion of Cricket Game development.

Move to a better server.

Just done that - even if it was a pretty traumatic
move. I am happy with the new server as it is consistantly fast. No plans to change.

Better lay out, get rid of crap cricket games.

As previously mentioned am open to suggestions on lay
out. Will not remove any games though as part of the idea of CricketGames.com is to cover
every cricket game. Also what you considered crap other people might like. If I started
removing games could then be accused of bias.

People can submit conquests in certain games, a bit more colourful layout.

The conquests in certain games is a popular idea with
other sites but I am not so sure. With editors and cheats it is possible to do really
well. For it to work need to have a way of confirming achievements are genuine.
Screenshots and saved games are not enough as both can be altered.

A ticker of the latest/live matches would be nice.

Sorry No. For that go to CricInfo which is the best
cricket site by far. CricketGames.com will only cover cricket computer games.

A screenshot or small movie on each cricket game to show how the game looks like
while being played.

Screenshots are included where possible for every game
on CricketGames.com. Vidoes are a lot harder to do and would normally have to be provided
by the developer.

Be able to play Cricket games over the internet against other people.

Nice idea but a feature that developers need to
include. How can CricketGames.com help here? List people wanting to play online so people
can arrange matches? I am still keen to try and arrange a PBeM league at some point in the
future.

Make an online java competition.

Not sure what you mean. If it is an online Java
cricket game I would love to include one when I get the time to learn Java and develop
such a game.

I was thinking maybe diversify into cricket board games or something. But that
may be too much of a change of tack - but it would be interesting to see exactly how some
cricket board games work.

Great idea but would need to go and buy all Cricket
board games and then spend time playing them. If people want to submit their own reviews
of cricket board games they own I will add a section covering board/card games.

By giving the full version downloads.

Never!! This is not a Warez site. If you want the full
version of a game either register it or buy it as appropriate.

Would you contribute to CricketGames.com?

Yes

208

No

125

Total Responses

333

How would you Contribute to CricketGames.com?

I would contribute as much as I can like Downloads, Hints, Cheats if I could get
any and maybe some feedback.

This is what most people offered and is what I want.

New ideas ... money

Well this question was not about money contributions.
If you want to help the site financially to help cover running costs please buy the
CricketGames.com CD-ROM. Sales of this have been disappointing (should have added
questions about it to find out why). Alternatively register my game International Test
Cricket.

I am thinking of making a game and I would send it in. Also anything I found out
I would send in.

Anyone who has written a game or is developing one
please send it in. Maybe you did a School/University project or maybe you could do one.
Always interested in getting new games.

By donating $1000 every five years.

Great send me a cheque for the next five years now
please :-) <-- note the smiley

Why would you not Contribute to CricketGames.com?

I don't have any money.

As mentioned above this question was not about
finincial contributions but rather news, cheats, articles, etc.

Can't be bothered.

It is a good job for you then I can be bothered to
update this site.

Haven't got the time.

This was easily the biggest reason for not helping. It
is a disappointment but I am not just asking for new games, massive articles, etc. If
whilst online you see a bit of relevant news a 1 minute email to a website or newsgroup
article could really help.

Simulated Tests

Do you like the Simulated Tests section?

Yes

238

No

60

Total Responses

298

This question was only added after several replies had
been received hence the smaller number of responses. I was wondering if the Simulated
Tests Matches were of interest when nobody reported the broken links for the 2nd West
Indies vs Australia test.

Forum

Do you read the Forum on a regular basis?

Yes

141

No

192

Total Responses

333

I am looking at possibly trying to find a better forum
than the one supplied with FrontPage but I do not want one that includes masses of
advertising. I like the look of the one at alphacentuari.com but it is quite expensive. If
you have not yet visited the forum why not take a look at it.

Have you posted a message to the Forum?

Yes

55

No

278

Total Responses

333

Mailing List

Have you joined the CricketGames.com mailing list?

Yes

99

No

234

Total Responses

333

If yes have you mailed the list?

Yes

52

No

281

Total Responses

333

If no why have you not joined the list?

I don't like getting mail.

This is fine. A lot of people don't like getting
masses of email. The list at the moment is not massive - about 2 or 3 messages a day.

It would be better if it were like a Newsletter where you get info on all the
games (esp. CWC 99, SWC 99 and ACC).

There is already a very good monthly PC Cricket
Newsletter.

I didn't know it existed :(

A lot of people mentioned this. It was mentioned in
the news.

Monday, 15 March 1999

Created a CricketGames.com mailing list powered by ListBot. This list can be used for
discussions of computer cricket games in general. To subscribe fill in the form above.

The form mentioned is included at the top of the main
index page. For people wanting to join now I have added it below as well.

Pleasing to see so many people have tried
International test Cricket. Obviously I would like this value to be 100%. if you have not
yet tried ITC why not download it now.

Have you registered International Test Cricket?

Yes

50

No

275

Total Responses

325

Why have you not registered International Test Cricket?

I was informed that you don't take orders outside of the UK.

This is untrue. I can take on line orders via a secure
server. If you don't have a credit card try asking a relative or friend to order on your
behalf and then pay them. From overseas with out a credit card is abit more difficult as I
then want a cheque in pounds sterling which most banks can do but will charge you for. If
you send me a cheque in your local currency it needs to be £6 more than the registration
price as the banks charge me that to cash the cheque. I do also consider swaps for
computer games in exchange for registered versions of ITC.

Don't like the idea of registering over the Internet.

A common fear but one that should be laid to rest.
ShareIt, the company I use for online orders, sole business is processing online credit
card transactions. If it was not safe and secure they would quickly go out of business. If
you really don't want to order on line then fax the credit card details through to me but
on line ordering is fine and I personally use it a lot at places like Amazon.

Scared that if I pay it will not arrive, brilliant program though.

??! with over 600 registered users I think if I was
not sending out registered versions word would get out. I send the registered versions via
email and then fall back to snail mail if problems occur. If you pay you will get the game
guaranteed.

I was going to register but then I brought ICC and I didn't see much point.

That is fine and your choice. I have had though people
buy ICC and then later buy ITC because they found ITC more realistic and ICC frustrating.

The cost is quite high for me as I live in India and the conversion rate is very
high at 44RS per dollar...

Conversion curreny rates are a fairly common
complaint. Sorry not a lot I can do about this. Maybe look at going through the swaps
option as computer games might be better priced for you in your local currency.

Cricket Games

Which Cricket Games do you own?

Interesting to read responses to this. Some people
like me have every cricket game they can get hold of, some have none or just the free
ones. Most popular games were EA Cricket 97/ATE, ICC and Brian Lara Cricket/Shane Warne
Cricket 99.

Which Cricket Games do you want to Buy?

Easily the game most wanted is Brian Lara
Cricket/Shane Warne Cricket 99. EA's Cricket World Cup 99 is also quite keenly awaited.
Only a few people mentioned my new game currently under development Cricket Manager :-(

Have you as a result of visiting CricketGames.com downloaded a game you
previously were unaware of?

Yes

227

No

106

Total Responses

333

Have you as a result of visiting CricketGames.com bought/registered a
game you previously were unaware of?

Yes

71

No

262

Total Responses

333

PBeM (Play By e-Mail)

Have you played in a Cricket PBeM league?

Yes

53

No

280

Total Responses

333

Some people were unsure what PBeM meant - it means Play
By e-Mail. Typically you have charge of
a squad of players over a league of matches and each turn submit a team and possibly some
tactics. The matches are then normally played automatically by the computer and the
results sent back out to you. It can be quite fun playing against other human opponents
even though you don't have over by over control of your team.

Have you run a Cricket PBeM league?

Yes

17

No

316

Total Responses

333

This is more leagues than I was aware of. If you are
running a league and have not yet told me about please send me an email and I will add it
to the PBeM section.

Would you want to join a PBeM league?

Yes

209

No

124

Total Responses

333

A lot more people want to play in a league than have
already played in one. This encourages me to try and get the CricketGames.com PBeM league
off the ground. As I want to run multiple divisions I want to automate the input process
as much as possible to save time running the league. Last time I tried the multiple
divisions I had to stop the league as it was just too time consuming.

World Cup

Who in your wildest dreams do you want to win the World Cup?

Australia

63

Bangladesh

7

England

39

India

80

Kenya

13

New Zealand

33

Pakistan

32

Scotland

23

South Africa

19

Sri Lanka

6

West Indies

10

Zimbabwe

8

Total Responses

333

Whilst not directly related to cricket computer games
I was just interested in peoples reponses to who might win the World Cup. No real
favourite stands out when people select the team they want to win. My choice being an
Englishman is obviously England.

Who realistically (loyalties aside) do you think will win the World Cup?

Australia

82

Bangladesh

0

England

15

India

31

Kenya

0

New Zealand

6

Pakistan

28

Scotland

1

South Africa

162

Sri Lanka

4

West Indies

3

Zimbabwe

1

Total Responses

333

Wow realism brings big changes - South Africa are
clear favourites with nearly half of people expecting them to win. Other than Australia no
one else is given much of a chance. Only 4 people think Sri Lanka can retain the trophy.

My answer would have been South Africa but I think
Australia is rated a bit high (they lost 3-0 to England on their last tour) and England is
rated a bit low (they have an excellent record at home in ODI's). We shall see.

Web Sites

What other cricket web sites do you visit?

CricInfo, ICC Forum, ICC, Cricket Gaming Online CricInfo.

Indigo, ITC

www.khel.com

These were the most popular sites mentioned. Links to
all these sites can be found on the Links page.

Comments

Please detail any other comments about CricketGames.com not already mentioned.